Warning over offer to reduce tax banding

COUNCIL taxpayers are being urged to excercise caution if they are contacted by a legal firm offering possible reductions in the amount they pay.

Manchester-based Randall & Vickers offers to challenge council tax bands on behalf of residents and will do so on a no-win no-fee basis. If they are successful however they will take a quarter of all monies refunded, plus the VAT.

Councillor Ian McCord, South Northants Council’s member for resources and change management, said: “Anyone who has a genuine reason to believe their property has been incorrectly valued can appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) direct. If their appeal is successful they will keep all of the refund.”

VOA also has the right to increase the valuation band of a home and that of neighbouring properties, should an appeal be unsuccessful. Contact the Valuation Office Agency direct on 03000 501501